(WASHINGTON)—Here is a statement from Kica Matos, spokesperson for the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM), on a news report that the Trump Administration is considering deploying the National Guard to roundup undocumented immigrants:

“News reports that President Trump is considering mobilizing the National Guard to round up immigrants is a declaration of war not only on our communities, but on American principles. By even considering this, Trump is creating more fear and panic among millions of immigrants while continuing to wage his unprecedented war on immigrants, sweeping up people in raids who have no criminal records.

“It is not enough that the White House is denying this report. DHS Secretary John Kelly and President Trump need to state publicly he is not forming a deportation force. Immigrant families are already being terrorized by ICE agents, and many being arrested have no criminal histories. Trump’s policies have unleashed a barrage of pure hatred and racism directed at people who wanted nothing more than to make better lives for their families in the U.S.”

“In the Associated Press report today, the proposal would mobilize the National Guard in 11 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah. FIRM groups will be engaging with governors to ensure we are standing up to those who are instilling fear in our communities with hate-filled policies.”